Aberlour 10 Year Old With Backgammon Set Limited Edition 1996
70cl / 40%
£129.00
- Cask type: Oloroso
- Malt type: Single Malt
- Region: Speyside
- Chilfiltered: No
- Coloring: No
Tasting Notes
Vanilla, Toffee, Raisins and Oak
Vanilla, Blackcurrants, Oak and Spice
Medium Finish, Honey, Caramel and Dried Fruit
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A highly collectible 1996 limited edition, pairing Aberlour’s core Speyside malt with bespoke luxury game packaging.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | Aberlour Distillery / Speyside, Scotland |
| Category | Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Limited Edition Gift Set) |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | 10 Years Old / Bottled circa 1996 |
| ABV & Size(s) | 40% ABV / 70cl |
| Cask / Treatment | Matured in a balance of Sherry and Bourbon casks |
| Natural Colour | Not stated by the producer |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | Not stated by the producer (Chill filtration assumed at 40% ABV) |
| Cask Strength | No |
| Bottle count / Outturn | Limited Edition (Not stated by the producer) |
| Intended channel | Commemorative Gift Market |
| Packaging | Unique presentation box designed to function as a backgammon board, including pieces |
| Notes on discrepancies | Value is driven overwhelmingly by the integrity and completeness of the non-liquid presentation set. |
Historical Context
Aberlour Distillery is a consistent producer of high-quality Speyside single malt, with its spirit generally characterised by a deep, rich, and balanced profile derived from combined Sherry and Bourbon cask maturation. This specific limited edition, released circa 1996, served a clear commercial purpose: to market the accessible 10 Year Old single malt (the entry point to the Aberlour range) to the premium gift sector.
The significance of this release is found in its unique packaging format. The presentation box, designed to function as a fully equipped backgammon board, immediately elevates the item into a distinct collectible category. This strategy, common in the mid-1990s, used an external luxury accessory to justify a premium price for a standard core-range liquid.
The market value of this bottle is critically dependent on the completeness and condition of the entire game set. The secondary market is highly penalizing towards sets where the outer box is damaged, or the internal components (the backgammon pieces) are missing or show signs of wear. The liquid itself is widely available in standard 10 Year Old bottles; thus, the premium is exclusively paid for the rarity and archival status of the 1996 commemorative presentation set.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
The specifications are fixed: 10 Years Old, 40% ABV, and 70cl volume. The maturation uses both Bourbon and Sherry casks, providing the classic Aberlour flavour foundation.
Documented variants
The existence of a limited edition presentation set is the core variant.
Variant Matrix
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 40% | 70cl | Gift/Collector Market | Unique 1996 Backgammon set packaging | Highest (Pristine, complete set) |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
Authentication must verify the completeness and integrity of the specific presentation. The box must be verified as designed to be the backgammon board. Any damage to the outer packaging (small marks or creasing are often noted) will negatively impact the hammer price. The liquid is sold "at the buyer's discretion" regarding cork integrity and potential leakage.
Regulatory/terminology notes
The 10 Year Old age statement confirms the minimum maturity. Given the 40% ABV, the liquid is chill-filtered and caramel coloured, consistent with the blend category standard.
Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
The valuation is highly constrained by the nature of the liquid, resulting in a modest collector premium.
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Original RRP (GBP): Not stated by the producer.
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Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): £129.00 (Specialist retail price for a complete set).
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Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): £42.50 – £55.00.
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Pricing stratification: Price stratification is moderate. The core liquid value is low (£42.50 hammer price for an unboxed bottle in 2021), meaning the £129 retail price represents the premium applied to the complete, scarce presentation set.
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Liquidity & sourcing note: Liquidity is moderate; the unique packaging ensures specific demand from gift and novelty collectors.
Price Snapshot
| Channel | Date | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
| Auction (UK) | 21/02/2021 | 70cl, 40%, boxed | 42.50 | Hammer price, noted small marks on packaging |
| Auction (UK) | 12/12/2022 | 70cl, 40%, boxed | 55.00 | Hammer price |
| Retailer (UK) | Current | 70cl, Complete set | 129.00 | Specialist retail asking price |
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Aberlour is a major Speyside single malt producer, known for its dual maturation in Bourbon and Sherry casks. The 10 Year Old serves as the accessible, highly reliable core of its range.
Sourcing
Target formats/eras: The complete 1996 Backgammon Set (70cl, 40% ABV).
Red flags to avoid: Missing backgammon pieces or excessive damage to the outer board/box.
Condition thresholds: The integrity of the outer box/board must be excellent to maintain the premium.
Margin/velocity expectations: Moderate velocity; margins are achieved by exploiting the gap between the low hammer price and the premium associated with the rare, complete set.
